A dry powder pre-dissolution device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of hemodialysis equipment, in particular to a dry powder pre-dissolution device which solves the crystallization problem by improving the concentrated liquid suction method of a hemodialysis machine and ensures the safe and effective operation of the device through the monitoring of electric conductivity and PH value; the device comprises a powder storage barrel, a dilution stirring barrel and a bacteriostatic liquid storage tank, the powder storage barrel and the dilution stirring barrel are connected to a water inlet pipeline, the powder storage barrel is connected with an overflow pipeline which penetrates into the dilution stirring barrel, the dilution stirring barrel is connected with a first pipeline provided with a liquid preparation pump, the first pipeline has a first branch and a second branch, the first branch penetrates into the powder storage barrel, the second branch is returned to the dilution stirring barrel, the second branch of the first pipeline penetrates into the bacteriostatic liquid storage tank, the top of the bacteriostatic liquid storage tank is connected with an air pipeline, an air pump is connected to the air pipeline and air is pressed into the bacteriostatic liquid storage tank, and the bacteriostatic liquid storage tank transports liquid preparation to the outside; the pre-dissolution mode is adopted, the obtained liquid preparation concentration is consistent through the electric conductivity control, and the stability of solute is effectively ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hemodialysis equipment technology, specifically to a dry powder pre-dissolving device. Background Technology

[0002] With the improvement of medical standards, the lives of kidney disease patients have been greatly extended thanks to the popularization of dialysis-assisted treatment. With the increasing number of dialysis patients, multi-bed centralized fluid supply systems have begun to be promoted. However, during use, many problems have arisen, such as excessive bacteria and unstable solution concentration. In particular, the antibacterial problem of B concentrate has always been a major challenge restricting the development of equipment.

[0003] Furthermore, existing dialysis machines can experience pH instability due to crystallization. The specific reasons are as follows: During the heat sterilization process, the dialysis machine is heated. Repeated experiments have shown that trace amounts of saturated NaHCO3 solution remaining at the end of the tubing during sterilization easily decompose into Na2CO3. This Na2CO3 is concentrated at the end of the sterilization process and then recrystallizes back into NaHCO3 upon contact with carbon dioxide in the air, adhering to the filter screen. Because the dialysis machine cannot draw in concentrate B, the sodium ion concentration becomes unstable. After adjusting the adjustable sodium level, Fresenius series hemodialysis machines increase the intake of concentrate A, raising the conductivity. Ions from concentrate A partially replace ions from concentrate B, restoring the dialysis conductivity to normal. However, because the alkaline concentrate B cannot be fully absorbed, the acetic acid in concentrate A cannot be neutralized, causing a decrease in the pH of the dialysate, leading to acidosis in the patient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the above description, the present invention provides a dry powder pre-dissolving device. We have solved the crystallization problem by improving the concentrated solution aspiration method of hemodialysis machines, and ensured the safe and effective operation of the equipment by monitoring conductivity and pH value.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0006] A dry powder pre-dissolving device includes a powder storage tank, a dilution and stirring tank, and an antibacterial storage tank. The powder storage tank and the dilution and stirring tank are connected to a water inlet pipe. An overflow pipe leading to the dilution and stirring tank is connected to the powder storage tank. A first pipe equipped with a dispensing pump is connected to the dilution and stirring tank. The first pipe has a first branch and a second branch. The first branch has a first branch and a second branch. The first branch leads to the powder storage tank, and the second branch flows back to the dilution and stirring tank. The second branch of the first pipe leads to the antibacterial storage tank. An air pipe is connected to the top of the antibacterial storage tank. An air pump is connected to the air pipe and pressurizes air into the antibacterial storage tank. The antibacterial storage tank delivers the dispensing solution to the outside.

[0007] Furthermore, a self-retaining valve is connected to branch one, and a switching valve is connected to branch two.

[0008] Furthermore, a drain valve is installed on the main line of the first pipeline, and a drain pipeline is connected to the drain valve.

[0009] Furthermore, a heater, an ultraviolet lamp, a conductivity sensor, and a temperature sensor are installed on the main line of the first pipeline.

[0010] Furthermore, a polypropylene filter and a polyethersulfone filter are sequentially installed on the second branch.

[0011] Furthermore, the antibacterial storage tank is connected to a second outflow pipeline, which is equipped with a liquid supply pump, a second ultraviolet lamp, a second conductivity sensor, a second heater, and a second temperature sensor. A polyethersulfone filter is installed at the outlet end of the second pipeline.

[0012] Furthermore, the second pipeline is connected to a third branch that returns to the antibacterial storage tank to form an internal circulation, and a circulation valve is installed on the third branch.

[0013] Furthermore, the air duct is equipped with a UV lamp, a heater, and a polyethersulfone filter.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this application has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0015] 1. Multiple channels are used to connect the powder storage tank, the dilution and stirring tank, and the antibacterial storage tank. The pre-dissolution mode of the powder storage tank and the dilution and stirring tank is to obtain a saturated solution by mixing dry powder with water. A fixed volume of pure water in the dilution and stirring tank is then pumped to the powder storage tank. After equal displacement, a solution with a relatively high concentration is obtained. This method of obtaining concentrated solution is highly efficient and fast, and is particularly suitable for extracting high-concentration liquids. The advantage of this displacement method is that it is quantitatively exchanged, and the volume of each batch is consistent. In addition, the concentration obtained is consistent through conductivity control, which effectively ensures the stability of the solute.

[0016] 2. The antibacterial storage tank of the present invention adopts a static pressure supply method for external liquid supply, and uses compressed sterilized air as power to supply and push the liquid, which effectively reduces the risk of pipeline contamination. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structural principle of a dry powder pre-dissolving device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0019] 1. Dilution mixing tank; 11. Heater 1; 12. UV lamp 1; 13. Conductivity sensor 1; 14. Temperature sensor 1; 15. Liquid dispensing pump; 16. Drain valve; 17. Switching valve; 18. Water inlet valve; 2. Antibacterial storage tank; 21. Heater 2; 22. UV lamp 2; 23. Conductivity sensor 2; 24. Temperature sensor 2; 25. Liquid supply pump; 26. Circulation valve; 27. Delivery valve; 31. Heater 3; 32. UV lamp 3; 33. Air pump; 4. Powder storage tank; 41. Overflow pipe; 42. Overflow filter element; 43. Self-retaining valve; 5. Polyethersulfone filter; 6. Polypropylene filter; 71. Disinfection pump; 72. Check valve; 73. Disinfection valve; 74. Flow sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application will be thorough and complete.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0022] It is understood that spatial relation terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “below,” “above,” “above,” etc., can be used here to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figure and other elements or features. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial relation terms also include different orientations of the device in use and operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, the element or feature described as “below,” “below,” or “below” will be oriented “above” the other element or feature. Therefore, the exemplary terms “below” and “under” can include both upper and lower orientations. Furthermore, the device may also include other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatial descriptive terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0023] like Figure 1The device shown includes a powder pre-dissolving unit, comprising a powder storage tank 4, a dilution and stirring tank 1, and an antibacterial storage tank 2. The powder storage tank 4 and the dilution and stirring tank 1 are connected to a water inlet pipe, and the powder storage tank 4 is connected to an overflow pipe leading to the dilution and stirring tank 1. Dry powder is pre-soaked in water in the powder storage tank 4 until the powder solution reaches saturation, then an equal amount of pure water is added for dilution. The diluted solution flows into the dilution and stirring tank 1 through the overflow pipe. The overflow pipe is a direct overflow pipe body 41, which allows liquid to flow into the dilution and stirring tank 1 by gravity without applying any power. An overflow filter element 42 is installed at the top of the overflow pipe body 41. The liquid level at the boundary between the overflow filter element 42 and the overflow pipe body 41 is defined as F2, and the highest limit liquid level in the powder storage tank 4 is defined as F1.

[0024] A first pipeline with a dispensing pump 15 is connected to the dilution mixing tank 1. The first pipeline has two branches: a first branch and a second branch. The first branch of the first pipeline has two sub-branches: branch one and branch two. Branch one enters the powder storage tank 4 from the bottom, and branch two flows back to the dilution mixing tank 1. The second branch of the first pipeline enters the antibacterial storage tank 2. A heater 11, an ultraviolet lamp 12, a conductivity sensor 13, and a temperature sensor 14 are installed on the main line of the first pipeline. The low-concentration solution in the dilution mixing tank 1 is heated by the heater 11, sterilized by the ultraviolet lamp 12, and the conductivity sensor 13 and temperature sensor 14 provide detection data at any time. A self-retaining valve 43 is connected to branch one to control the passage, and a switching valve 17 is installed to control the passage of branch two. The switching valve 17 is a two-way valve, but it can also be a three-way valve. The three-way switching valve 17 separates the first branch into branch one and branch two. The low-concentration solution is introduced into the powder storage tank 4 from the bottom of the first branch. It permeates through the dry powder layer to the upper layer of the powder storage tank 4. The liquid level rises and overflows through the overflow port back to the antibacterial stirring tank. At this time, the liquid level and volume in the stirring tank remain unchanged. The cycle continues until the conductivity reaches the set value, that is, the concentration reaches the set value.

[0025] A drain valve 16 is installed on the main line of the first pipeline, and a drain pipe is connected to the drain valve 16 for cleaning and disinfection processes in the powder storage tank 4 and the dilution mixing tank 1. The powder storage tank 4 and the dilution mixing tank 1 are connected to the water inlet pipeline. To integrate the pipelines, the water inlet pipelines of the powder storage tank 4 and the dilution mixing tank 1 can use the same one. A flow sensor 74 is installed on the water inlet pipeline to read the water flow rate. A disinfectant pipeline is also installed in parallel. The disinfectant pipeline is equipped with a disinfectant container, a disinfectant pump 71, a check valve 72, and a disinfection valve 73. The disinfectant can be hypochlorous acid or peracetic acid.

[0026] The second branch line is equipped with a polypropylene filter 6 and a polyethersulfone filter 5 for coarse and fine filtration of bacteria. A delivery valve 27 is also installed on the second branch line for pipeline control. The delivery valve 27 is generally a two-way valve, but can also be a three-way valve. When it is a three-way valve, it separates the first pipeline into the first and second branches. The solution with the required concentration passes through the second branch line, undergoing coarse and fine filtration before entering the antibacterial storage tank 2. The antibacterial storage tank 2 is connected to an outflow second pipeline, which is equipped with a supply pump 25, a second ultraviolet lamp 22, a second conductivity sensor 23, a second heater 21, and a second temperature sensor 24. A polyethersulfone filter 5 is installed at the outlet end of the second pipeline. The final solution exported by this device undergoes further sterilization, heating, and filtration, with continuous numerical monitoring.

[0027] The second pipeline is connected to a third branch that leads to the antibacterial storage tank 2 to form an internal circulation. A circulation valve 26 is installed on the third branch.

[0028] An air pipeline is connected to the top of the antibacterial storage tank 2, and an air pump 33 is connected to the air pipeline to pressurize air into the antibacterial storage tank 2. The air pipeline is equipped with an ultraviolet lamp 32, a heater 31, and a polyethersulfone filter 5. The incoming air is powered by the pump pump from the top of the antibacterial storage tank 2 after sterilization, heating, and filtration.

[0029] Existing centralized liquid supply systems fall into two categories: one is agitation-based dispensing, which relies on a powered propeller; the other is water-based agitation, which has the disadvantages of slow dissolution and susceptibility to contamination and over-agitation. Both water-based and propeller-based agitation are forms of mixing that utilize impellers. These methods inevitably lead to the dissolution and release of air, causing the solute in the solution to dissolve and precipitate, resulting in unstable pH levels.

[0030] Furthermore, existing equipment has relatively large stirring and storage systems, making it impossible to prepare and use the solution on demand. Even with daily emptying, losses are significant, resulting in substantial waste of dialysate. Additionally, existing centralized supply lines typically have diameters between 16mm and 20mm and lengths of up to 400 meters. Due to the internal resistance caused by this length, larger pipe diameters are necessary to reduce flow resistance, leading to even larger pipe volumes and further waste. Another issue is the incomplete drainage of liquid within the pipes, making it difficult to effectively inhibit bacteria. This invention employs pre-dissolution and a displacement dilution method, which is highly efficient, eliminates the need for stirring and pumping, and features a small equipment size, large storage capacity, and convenient sterilization. The supply lines utilize narrow 8mm inner diameter tubing, reducing equipment size and cost.

[0031] The operating procedures for this device are as follows:

[0032] Water ingress

[0033] During the solution preparation process, sterile pure water is measured by the flow sensor 74 and then injected through the inlet valve 18 (the opening angle of the inlet valve 18 is controlled by PID calculation). The dry powder height in the powder storage tank 4 is at any position below F2 but must not exceed the height of F2 (the overflow filter element 42 is above the liquid level F2). The total water volume accumulated by the flow sensor 74 must not exceed the total water volume required for the total number of powders added. When the water flow reaches the set value, the valve closes. Pure water enters the powder storage tank 4 through the inlet valve 18, the delivery valve 27 (three-way valve), the switching valve 17 (three-way valve), and the self-retention valve 43. After the water level rises to F2, it begins to overflow and overflows into the dilution mixing tank 1 through the overflow pipe 41. The maximum limit liquid level in the dilution mixing tank 1 is defined as F3, and the adjustment liquid level is defined as F4. When the liquid level in the dilution tank rises to F4, the valve begins to adjust the proportion. When the liquid level reaches F3, the valve is completely closed. When the liquid level rises to F3, it is exactly a multiple of 5.5 liters for liquid A and a multiple of 7 liters for liquid B.

[0034] dilution:

[0035] Start the dispensing pump 15, begin monitoring the data from conductivity sensor 13, start the UV lamp 12, start the heater 11, and maintain the temperature at 28 degrees Celsius. The solution passes through heater 11, UV lamp 12, conductivity sensor 13, temperature sensor 14, dispensing pump 15, drain valve 16, delivery valve 27 (three-way valve), switching valve 17 (three-way valve), and self-retention valve 43 to the powder storage tank 4, overflowing into the dilution mixing tank 1. After the conductivity data is qualified, dispensing pump 15 stops, self-retention valve 43 is closed, switching valve 17 is opened, dispensing pump 15 is started again, UV lamp 12 is turned on, and after 30 seconds of conductivity monitoring, the dispensing is complete.

[0036] delivery:

[0037] The delivery valve 27 is directly connected, and the liquid dispensing pump 15 is started to deliver all the liquid into the antibacterial storage tank 2. During the delivery process, the equipment monitors and records the electrical conductivity data during liquid dispensing.

[0038] Liquid supply:

[0039] Before supplying the liquid, start the supply pump 25, open the circulation valve 26, and use the drain pump to purge air (this design uses static pressure to expel air from the pump). After 30 seconds, close the circulation valve 26. There are three supply methods: powered supply, which delivers the liquid to the point of use through pressure; pulse supply, which combines powered supply with gravity flow; and completely gravity flow. Pulse supply is the optimal method among the three. Throughout the supply process, UV lamp 22 is turned on for sterilization, and conductivity data is monitored and recorded in real time.

[0040] Cleaning and disinfection:

[0041] After use, the equipment can be cleaned automatically or manually. The automatic cleaning system has two disinfection modes: chemical disinfection and thermal disinfection. Chemical disinfection uses peracetic acid or hypochlorous acid.

[0042] During automated chemical disinfection, the equipment activates its automatic cleaning function. The equipment first empties all liquids, then, similar to the solution preparation process, fills the dilution mixing tank 1 with water to the F3 level. It then uses branch two piping to begin circulation. After stirring for 15 minutes, the water used to clean the solution preparation system is drained. The system is then rinsed again and transported to the antibacterial storage tank. This process is repeated three times. The system supply system then pushes the solution into the antibacterial storage tank 2 via the second branch. During the discharge process, the solution preparation system begins to receive water and draw in disinfectant. Disinfection pump 71 injects the adjusted disinfectant metering, mixes with water, and enters the dissolving system. After thorough stirring, the solution is transported to the antibacterial storage tank. After the transport is complete, the equipment begins to rinse the mixing system with water. After one rinse, if the supply system has completed its push, the mixing system transports water to the antibacterial storage tank 2. This process is repeated three times, followed by a push to rinse the supply piping until no residue remains.

[0043] During heat sterilization, the equipment does not need to be emptied; water is directly added to the sterilization liquid level. When heat sterilization begins, the equipment first circulates and heats the water in the antibacterial storage tank 2. After the water temperature rises to 100 degrees Celsius, the liquid is pushed and circulated. The circulation is maintained for 30 minutes (the circulation time can be set). After the circulation is completed, cold water is added to cool down. After the temperature drops to 40 degrees Celsius, the air pump 33 is started to inject sterilized compressed air to blow out the water in the equipment.

[0044] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dry powder pre-dissolving device, characterized in that, The system includes a powder storage tank (4), a dilution and stirring tank (1), and an antibacterial storage tank (2). The powder storage tank (4) and the dilution and stirring tank (1) are connected to a water inlet pipe. An overflow pipe is connected to the powder storage tank (4) and leads to the dilution and stirring tank (1). A first pipe with a dispensing pump (15) is connected to the dilution and stirring tank (1). The first pipe has a first branch and a second branch. The first branch has a branch one and a branch two. The branch one leads to the powder storage tank (4), and the branch two flows back to the dilution and stirring tank (1). The second branch of the first pipe leads to the antibacterial storage tank (2). An air pipe is connected to the top of the antibacterial storage tank (2). An air pump (33) is connected to the air pipe and pressurizes air into the antibacterial storage tank (2). The antibacterial storage tank (2) delivers the dispensing solution to the outside.

2. The dry powder pre-dissolving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A self-retaining valve (43) is connected to the first branch, and a switching valve (17) is connected to the second branch.

3. The dry powder pre-dissolving device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A drain valve (16) is installed on the main line of the first pipeline, and a drain pipeline is connected to the drain valve (16).

4. The dry powder pre-dissolving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pipeline is equipped with a heater (11), an ultraviolet lamp (12), a conductivity sensor (13), and a temperature sensor (14).

5. The dry powder pre-dissolving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A polypropylene filter (6) and a polyethersulfone filter (5) are sequentially installed on the second branch.

6. The dry powder pre-dissolving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antibacterial storage tank (2) is connected to a second outflow pipeline. The second pipeline is equipped with a liquid supply pump (25), a second ultraviolet lamp (22), a second conductivity sensor (23), a second heater (21), and a second temperature sensor (24). A polyethersulfone filter (5) is installed at the outlet end of the second pipeline.

7. A dry powder pre-dissolving device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second pipeline is connected to a third branch that returns to the antibacterial storage tank (2) to form an internal circulation, and a circulation valve (26) is provided on the third branch.

8. A dry powder pre-dissolving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct is equipped with an ultraviolet lamp (32), a heater (31), and a polyethersulfone filter (5).

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